Overview & Reviews

Ever diligent in its "Relentless pursuit of perfection," Lexus completely revamped its RX 300 midsize luxury crossover SUV for 2004. This already popular model in the Lexus lineup received a radical makeover that included a new 3.3-liter V6 and a resultant new name: RX 330.

With the first-generation RX's style being deemed a bit too soft, stylists gave the new Lexus RX 330 a more aggressive character. A sharply angled grille and rearmost roof pillar gave the RX 330 more visual attitude, while more power, more backseat room, a number of new high-tech features and tighter handling made the RX better than ever before. Still, the folks at Lexus were careful to retain the beloved features of the previous model, and this meant keeping a plush ride, a rich cabin, fantastic build quality, a serene demeanor on the open road and a strong reputation for reliability intact.

Those who think driving is a passion and not just a necessity should know that the Lexus RX 330 is still not a sport-utility vehicle with a sport sedan personality. If you're looking for thrills on twisty roads you'd be better suited by a few other choices that trade off practical aspects such as passenger and cargo space for a sportier drive. But for the greater majority of used luxury SUV consumers who just want as trouble-free and comfortable an experience as possible when dealing with commuting, shuttling the kids around and taking weekend road trips to see the relatives, the RX 330 is hard to top.

Most Recent Lexus RX 330

Available from 2004 through 2006, the Lexus RX 330 brought more power, more room, more luxury features and more aggressive styling to Lexus' popular midsize luxury SUV.

Still loosely based on the Toyota Camry platform of the time, the RX 330 benefited from the same new V6. At 3.3 liters, the newer V6 produced 230 horsepower and 242 pound-feet of torque, increases of 10 hp and 20 lb-ft, respectively, over the RX 300's V6. A broader torque curve along with a new five-speed automatic transmission gave the RX 330 more kick off the line as well as more energetic passing and merging performance. Once again, buyers could choose front- or all-wheel drive. Towing capacity, at 3,500 pounds, was unchanged and still relatively meager compared to truck-based SUVs.

Standard luxury content increased slightly, as in addition to the expected automatic climate control and full power features there were now larger (17-inch) alloy wheels and a CD player. In addition to available leather seating, power moonroof and navigation system were new options that included a DVD entertainment system, a superb Mark Levinson audio system, an adjustable air suspension, adaptive cruise control, a back-up camera and adaptive headlights.

Safety was also improved, as in addition to stability control there were now larger side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag and a tire-pressure monitor.

While it retained the quiet and refined demeanor of its precursor, the Lexus RX 330 was more athletic. Acceleration was noticeably stronger (at 7.8 seconds, it was a full second quicker to 60 mph than before) and, when equipped with the optional air suspension, handling was tighter. The RX was still not as involving a drive as a few of its German and home country rivals, which provide superior steering feel and communication to the driver.

Shoppers looking for a used Lexus RX 330 won't go wrong with any year, as changes were minimal throughout its brief run. The most notable upgrades occurred in 2005 when Lexus made the power rear hatch standard and the navigation system gained voice control. The final year of the RX 330 brought power lumbar support for the front passenger, while revised SAE testing procedures changed the engine's output rating from 230 hp to 223, though no actual performance was lost.

User Reviews:

• 

  This has been a great car! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Liz C - October 4 - 10:20 am

  I bought this used in 2015 with 125K miles on it. Previous owner took very good care of it. It now has 175k miles on it. I am looking at a repair now for a transfer case leak, and this will be my first major repair. I should tell you that club Lexus has been a great resource for information. My daughter cracked the vinyl on the passenger dash by riding with her feet on the dash. Contacted Lexus and they replaced the dash for FREE - a $1500 repair. Said that they didn't want their cars seen with cracked dashes. This was in 2018 well past orig 10 year warranty. That really impressed me. I expect to drive this car to 250k at least. My only regret is that the 2004 did not come with Bluetooth for you phone - that did not come until 2005.

• 

  Not your mamas SUV! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By TSFDMDandLAHDO - December 29 - 2:00 am

  This (the 2004 RX 330) is a great car! Comfortable, fast, and fun to drive. Best gas milage that Ive found in all the mid-size luxury SUVs. The quickest from 0-60 mph that I drove (Lexus RX 330, BMW X5, Mercedes ML 350, VW Touareg, Volvo XC90) in 7.7 seconds. A much tighter turning radius than the previous model, a larger gas tank, and even more cargo room. Best mid-size luxury bang-for-your-buck SUV out there.........in my humble opinion!

• 

  Best bang for your buck - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By fscotth - December 29 - 2:00 am

  When we started shopping for an SUV for our family, we were looking for performance, style, and comfort. We also wanted an excellent value -- an affordable model that wasnt just about economy or shoebox-sized. It would be able to handle punishment from a young family, yet be equally at home on a night on the town. We found our criteria with the Lexus RX330. It has performed flawlessly during our ownership and exceeded our expectations. We have been very happy and would highly endorse the Lexus RX330.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By GoLexus - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Everything is so wonderful about the car.

• 

  Great SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Swiley - December 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. The current 330 followed our 300. Comfort, style and performance. Would purchase another Lexus without hesitation. Quality and dependability - Great customer service!

• 

  Great "Car-Truck" - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By DDK - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Rides like a sedan but has room and road traction and power like a truck.

• 

  I love my Lexi..... - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By ksinrr - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with her the minute I drove her. Ive never felt so secure and solid in a vehicle before as this is my first SUV. I get a thrill every time I go somewhere and feel particularly safe with all the air bags.Fabulous ride and luxury with the fun of an SUV!!

• 

  My lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Diane Brandini - December 28 - 7:23 pm

  This has been a good car, however i am disappointed in a few things. I am very surprised a car this nice came without heated seats.The stereo cd systems has aready had to be repaired 2 times. And the locking system stinks. I can not unlock all the doors at the same time. I have been told this can not be fixed. It makes it hard since a have a child in a car seat in the back..

• 

  Awesome and reliable - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By llrinco - December 25 - 10:45 pm

  I have owned this SUV for 5 years and no real problems. It has over 110,000 miles but keeps running.

• 

  mkd - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Marie - December 10 - 7:26 am

  I love this vehicle. It fits like a designer suit and is lots of fun to drive. Many SUVs drive like a truck. Not the Lexus RX 330. Its all about comfort and luxury. When I see it from a distance I have to pinch myself to realize that I really do own this piece of art on wheels. The RX 330 is one of the most beautiful vehicles on the road.